PROPOSED ATC SYSTEM FOR THE GULF OF MEXICO, HELICOPTER OPERATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Abstract : A helicopter ATC system for the Gulf of Mexico is set forth. It embodies a concept of evolutionary growth in four phases: (1) The Present System (period of use: 1980) -- IFR navigation is obtained primarily with Loran-C, or VLF/OMEGA. Back-up systems are ADF and Airborne Weather Radar. VOR/DME is used over land. ATC is by procedural control and separation standards because no radar or other surveillance system is available off shore; (2) LOFF (Loran-C Flight Following) (Period of Evaluation: 1981) -- The LOFF system is placed in operation for experimentation and evaluation. While ATC is still performed by procedural control, LOFF will assist ground controllers by reducing workload, improving flexibility, etc. Experiments will also be performed on secondary radar systems (ATCRBS & VLATME) to provide surveillance; (3) Augmented LOFF (Period of use: 1983 and beyond) -- IFR helicopters will be able to fly direct, offset or segmented RNAV routes. ATC will be essentially equivalent to the NAS. Navigation by Loran-C will expand. Surveillance will be by LOFF and/or secondary radar. Area of control will be 1,500' to 10,000' over entire Gulf, and (4) RNAV Traffic Control (Period of use: 1985 and beyond) -- IFR helicopters will be able to use any of a number of certified navigation systems. ATC systems will adapt to varying accuracies of these systems. ATC will be based on surveillance provided by aircraft reporting of position information and/or secondary radar. Separation standards will be reduced and be equivalent to Northeast Corridor.